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Sep 11, 2009 -- Cell phone radiation levels revealed

For years, there has been a debate about whether cell phones are dangerous. Much of it has centered on the question of whether or not the radiation they emit can cause brain tumors or other health problems.

Late GOP strategist Lee Atwater was one of the early adopters of cell phones. He was often photographed with a cell glued to his ear. When he died of a brain tumor at age 40, many started speculating about the long-term dangers of cellular technology.

What level of radiation does your cell phone emit? The Environmental Working Group has compiled a new list of radiation levels across a variety of phones.

Some phones like the Samsung Impression emit next to no radiation at all. But Clark's T-Mobile G1 emits 1.11 W/kg, according to the list. He's still within the "safe" range, which is capped at 1.6 W/kg.

Check out the list and make a smart choice when you give a cell phone to a child or young adult.

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  • New Study Links Cell Phones and Brain Tumors
    The bombshell results of a major decade-long study carried out in 13 countries will support longtime speculation that long-term cell phone use increases the risk of developing cancer.
    The $30 million report, which is to be released before the end of the year, follows a warning from the International EMF Collaborative that regular cell phone use could increase the risk of brain tumors significantly and that regular use is especially dangerous in children whose brains are still developing.
    The cell phone industry assured us for years that cell phones are safe and don’t cause cancer and other problems. Major organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Cancer Institute, also have stated there is no evidence cell phones are dangerous.
    But the official line may have to change because the WHO oversaw the new study.
    According to the Daily Telegraph in London, the study will show “a significantly increased risk” of some brain tumors “related to use of mobile phones for a period of 10 years or more.”
    Cell phone safety has been a concern for some experts ever since the death of Lee Atwater in 1991 from a brain tumor that developed under the exact spot where he held his cell phone. Sen. Ted Kennedy’s diagnosis and death from a malignant brain tumor also spurred safety fears. Kennedy’s brain tumor, called a glioma, was the type some experts have associated with the use of cell phones.
    CTIA — the Wireless Association — and the Food and Drug Administration also have stated that cell phones aren’t a health risk.
    But other experts point to research that indicates a link between cell phones and three types of tumors:
    Glioma
    Cancer of a salivary gland near the ear called the parotid
    Acoustic neuroma, which is a tumor found near the ear
    An Israeli study published two years ago found a 58 percent increase in risk for parotid tumors among people who relied heavily on their cell phones. And a Swedish study found that he risk for glioma and acoustic neuroma doubled after 10 years of heavy use.
    Prominent neurosurgeons have stated they do hold cell phones next to their ears.
    “I use it on the speaker-phone mode,” said Dr. Vini Khurana, a prominent researcher and an associate professor of neurosurgery at the Australian National University.
    Other prominent experts agree. “I do not hold it to my ear,” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a practicing neurosurgeon who also is CNN’s chief medical correspondent. Gupta says he uses an earpiece.
    Some experts haven’t waited for the WHO or FDA to issue warnings. Last year, Dr. Ronald Heberman, director of the University of Pittsburg Cancer Center, sent a memo to all faculty and staff, warning them of possible danger and advising them to cut cell phone use.
    Cell phone use has been linked to other problems, including infertility, insomnia, hearing, and, of course, driving hazards.
    Editor's Note:

    http://newresearchfindingstwo.blogspot.com/2009/10/1-new-study-links-cell-phones-and-brain.htm
  • Bluetooth
    The service rep also said that Bluetooth allows radiation - not as high as the phone alone, but radiation still is there.
  • cell phones popping corn
    When asking the service rep about radiation, she mentioned that during training, the new reps were asked to put their cell phones into a circle around popcorn kernels. They stepped back, dialed their phones, and the popcorn kernels popped.
  • Science anyone???
    There have NEVER been any studies that demonstrate any dangerous effect of cell phones which can be replicated by other scientists. Also, it is known that the radiation is not in the range of the spectrum that can affect your cells. A microwave oven excites the water molecules and heats your food. Cell phones cannot excite water molecules or COOK your brain- not because of their radiation level, but because of their operating frequency. There is a farcical video on the internet that shows popcorn being popped using three cell phones simultaneously—very amusing, but not factual. Cell Phone Manufacturers have been decreasing output over the years because hey—It saves battery life. Much of this FEAR was touched off by the “cell-phone-antenna shaped brain tumor in Florida. Another farce. Also dangers of Police Radar guns were dismissed as well. It is impossible to prove a negative, so we can continue to spend time and money on this research forever. And NO, I don’t work for any of the cell phone companies, I just hear this fear way too often.
  • more paranoia
    unfortunately, most don't think about these things until impacted directly. Our bodies/immune systems were never designed to withstand the tremendous amounts of environmental toxins that we are faced with. As a cancer survivor who's learned the hard way, why not take steps to control what you can??? It all adds up. Sure, small amounts wouldn't be so bad, so they are allowed by EPA/FDA, but when we are being poisened from every direction the body begins to break down. CaLL IT WHAT YOU WANT, IT'S YOUR LIFE! In my experience, ignorance is not Bliss.
  • More Paranoia
    Call me reckless and irresponsible, but I just don't stay up at nights worrying about cell phone radiation, tap water, or whether I'll take a whiff of secondhand smoke. I think the human body is robust enough to withstand these modern-day "threats". By the way, I just heard that taking a shower can be hazardous to your health. Where will it end??
  • Saw this on t.v. too
    Saw this on t.v. too
  • Thanks, Clark!
    Thank you for the report. I have been wondering about this for a while.
  • Bluetooth devices
    I'm in on the comment below. Of all I've ever read about cell phone radiation levels, no one ever mentions using blue tooth devices or if they make a difference at all. I'd LOVE to know!
  • Cray Libertarian Redneck Man
    Just put a tin foil hat on! It has a duel purpose too, the aliens wont be able to control your mind anymore!
  • Cell Phones with Blue Tooth
    Will using a blue tooth device make a huge difference? I use a BB Curve 8330 which is just about the worst rated!
  • Remember how a cell phone works...
    Remember that a cell phone has to emit radio waves in order to work. Low radiation output may mean the phone doesn't work very far away from a cell tower.
  • How to reduce the radiation hazard
    Remember that the radiation hazard depends both on the emission of the phone, AND how much time you have it next to your head. There's a lot to be said for putting down the phone and paying attention to the people and places where you actually are!
  • Verison
    how about Verison phones?
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